General Studies – 1

TOPIC: Events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.

American Revolution is an important part of world history and salutary neglect by the British is implicated as one of the main reasons which led to the American Revolution. The question is related to the GS 1 syllabus under the following heading-

Events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.

Key demand of the question

The question wants us to deliberate upon the meaning, and role of the policy of Salutary neglect adopted by the British, in paving way for the American Revolution.

Directive word

Discuss- the question directs us to write in detail about the policy of Salutary neglect adopted by the British- describe the policy in detail and then discuss to what extent did this policy influence the American Revolution.

Structure of the answer

Introduction– explain the meaning of the term salutary neglect.

Body-

Give examples of British policies to show that salutary neglect was a deliberate policy design. e.g Prime Minister Robert Walpole’s statement, slack enforcement of the Navigation Acts etc.

Explain how the end of the policy of salutary neglect was a contributing factor of American Revolution. Give an account of the successive British policies (Stamp act, Sugar act, Intolerable acts etc) which were contradictory to the earlier salutary neglect, and explain how they lead to greater public resentment and ultimately to the American Revolution.

Conclusion- mention the different perspectives (American vs British) of interpreting the Salutary neglect policy and give a personal opinion on the issue.

TOPIC: The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors
/contributions from different parts of the country.

At its core, the question demands us to examine the reasons behind sending Cabinet Mission to India. The assertion made in the question is that the mass movement post INA trials led to Cabinet Mission being sent. We have to delve deeper into this and figure out whether there were other reasons behind sending Cabinet Mission.

Directive word

Examine – When you are asked to examine, you have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any .In the case of above question on cabinet mission plan, you have to probe the reasons behind sending it, whether it was one particular reason or a combination of reasons and provide a balanced view. All within a given word limit.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – Mention the overall aims and objectives of cabinet mission plan and the a brief mention of the situation in India at that time.

Body

Examine the situation in India prior to when the cabinet mission plan was sent – INA trials, chinks in Hindu Muslim unity

Examine the arguments in favour of the assertion that it was the mass support to INA protest that led to the Cabinet Mission being sent. Here examine the chief objectives of the British and whether those objectives were being fulfilled by sending Cabinet Mission

Examine other reasons due to which cabinet mission plan was sent – the problem of framing a united constitution for India and Pakistan, constant political pressure, the effects of the ongoing world war etc

Conclusion – provide a balanced view based on the summary of your arguments above.

General Studies – 2

Topic –Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

The Government of India carried out an Amendment to the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 substituting “Directorate General of Trade Remedies” in place of “Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties” in Department of Commerce. This has paved way for creation of an integrated single umbrella National Authority to be called the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) for providing comprehensive and swift trade defence mechanism in India. The issue is related to GS 2 syllabus under the following heading-

Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies Government policies and interventions

for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Key demand of the question

The question wants us to give an account of the creation of DGTR and explain in detail how it will provide a swift and comprehensive trade defense mechanism.

Directive word

Discuss- we have to write in detail about the creation of DGTR and previous bodies, it will subsume, its functioning and how it will positively impact India’s trade defense mechanism.

Structure of the answer

introduction- give a brief description of the creation of DGTR and corresponding amendment made.

Body-

discuss the previous arrangement and bodies involved in trade defense- e.g DGAD- dealt with antidumping and CVD, DGS- dealt with safeguards, DGFT- dealt with quantitative restrictions. DGTR will subsume all these functions.

Discuss how DGTR will function, multi-skilled organisation and level playing field for domestic players etc.

Conclusion- mention that creation of DGTR is a progressive step which conforms to the govt’s minimum government, maximum governance agenda.

The upcoming high profile visit provides a chance to examine the issues in India Nepal relationship, the potential as well. The relationship is passing through a see saw stage and it is critical for us to examine the relationship in depth.

Key demand of the question

Following aspects have to be discussed in the answer

The details of the visit

Highlight the issues in our bilateral relationship

Discuss ways in which our cooperation in various aspects can be further strengthened and our issues can be ironed out

Your view on the future of India Nepal relationship.

Directive word

Examine – When you are asked to examine, you have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any .

Structure of the answer

Introduction – Discuss the ideal course of India Nepal relationship and the significance of the visit in a series of high profile visits

Body

Highlight the details of several high profile visits taking place and what it conveys about the significance of Nepal in India’s foreign policy architecture

Examine the issues in our bilateral relationship in detail. Discuss it under various heads like economic, strategic, China angle, energy cooperation etc

Examine the impact that these issues would have on our bilateral relationship if left unresolved

Mention ways in which our cooperation can be further strengthened

Conclusion – Highlight the significance of Nepal in achieving our foreign policy objective and intensification of China’s strategy to box India in south Asia which should sensitize us to the need of addressing these issues soon.

The question simply wants us to write at length about the structure, functioning and mandate of Archaeological Survey of India.

Directive word

Discuss- as an all encompassing directive it wants us to dig deep into the question and write in detail about the structure, functioning and mandate of ASI.

Structure of the answer

introduction- give a brief description of ASI-

The Archaeological Survey of India is an attached office of the Ministry of Culture. Under the provisions of the AMASR Act of 1958, the ASI administers more than 3650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains of national importance. These can include everything from temples, mosques, churches, tombs, and cemeteries to palaces, forts, step-wells, and rock-cut caves.

Body–

briefly discuss the formation and early history of ASI- e.g ASI was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham who also became its first Director-General etc.

The recent report by WHO that identifies 14 of the top 15 polluting cities in India paints a sorry state of affairs of pollution management and response in India. This situation needs to be rectified soon and hence requires an examination of our strategy and implementation.

Key demand of the question

The answer should cover the following aspects

Details of India’s strategy in dealing with air pollution

Whether there have been any advantages of this strategy

Highlight the inadequacy of India’s strategy

Suggest alternatives

Directive word

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – Give details of the WHO report and why the situation needs to be urgently addressed

Body

Highlight details of India’s strategy

Highlight the positives like – growth in public consciousness, continuous and real time monitoring through aqi etc

Highlight the various ways in which our strategy fails to address the situation – no SOP in case of severe air pollution etc

Based on global best practices and reports suggest a way forward for India

Conclusion – mention the need for urgent intervention to secure a clean future.

General Studies – 4

TOPIC: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers
and administrators;

In UPSC mains exam, candidates are often required to comment upon a statement or a quotation. The given quotation is attributed to Mahatma Gandhi and the question is related to GS 4 syllabus under the following heading-

Key demand of the question

The Question wants us to deliberate on the issue of morality and ethics and see how personal morals can sometimes/ all of the times/ never be a better source of guidance and behaviour then public morality.

Structure of the answer

Introduction– give one of the practical definitions of the morals.

Body-

Discuss in points, difference between public morality and private morality and based on your opinion discuss why either one of them is a better source of decision making than the other. You can take the help of the article attached to the question to gather points in favor ok sure answer.

Conclusion– draw out a fair, balanced and a clear opinion on the above statement, based on your discussion.

NOTE:

We are giving hints for each question. Please use your creativity and originality to come up with answers that are unique to you. But do so without deviating from core demand of each question. Ultimately you should use your reason and judgement to write your own answer.